Hoarding disorder was officially recognized as a psychiatric disorder in 2013. It's better to handle clutter before ill health or death makes it urgent.ĭecluttering can be especially hard for people with hoarding disorder, which affects about 2.5% of Americans. Sometimes, older adults don't get rid of clutter because it requires a lot of physical effort. In one study of people over 70, about one-third said they had not thrown out any possessions in the past year. Although we tend to gain fewer possessions after age 50, many older people are also less likely to sell things or give them away. The older we get, the more unneeded items we may have. Make a habit of putting things off, also known as procrastination.Are "people persons" who spend a lot of time doing things with and for others.Are easily sidetracked, such as those with attention deficits.Have perfectionist tendencies and trouble stopping and starting projects.Struggle with time management and stop tasks before finishing.People who have trouble with clutter often: Here are some things to be mindful of when it comes to clutterers and decluttering: Getting rid of possessions can be hard for anyone, especially as we get older. Also, try not to judge your spaces against those of other people. There's no need to hide items that you use a lot. Make sure you allow some extra time, as decluttering can take longer than you expect.ĭon't strive for perfection. If you schedule someone to take your unneeded items, you'll have a target date for completing your decluttering. If you invite friends over for dinner, you'll be motivated to declutter your kitchen. The pleasure of seeing and using a well-organized space will serve as positive feedback, prompting you to do more. If you pick one drawer or cabinet to organize, you'll be less likely to get discouraged. You'll enjoy the mental health benefits of decluttering more if you make the process low-stress. And most people sleep better in a neat room with a tidy bed. It's easier to prepare healthy meals in an orderly kitchen. Decluttering can prevent pests and reduce dust, mold, and mildew, which may trigger asthma and allergies. But it's hard to clean around piles of belongings. You may think your house is messy but not dirty. Also, you may be more comfortable inviting friends into your home when it's tidy. Conflict with family or roommates often occurs when one person can't control clutter. Improving your living space can restore feelings of competency and pride.īetter relationships. When you have trouble staying organized, you may feel out of control. Getting rid of visual clutter can help you focus better on any task at hand. Clutter makes it difficult to find what you need. Benefits of decluttering include:īetter focus. If you value creativity, you may want to allow yourself to be a little messy in certain areas of your life.įor most people, decluttering can promote productivity and improvements in mental and physical health. Another study found that, while orderly environments are more linked to healthy choices, disorderly environments promote creativity and fresh ideas. Still, the case for decluttering isn't clear-cut. In one study, women who described their homes with positive language had a lower level of the stress hormone cortisol than women who described their homes as cluttered or unfinished. Untidy environments often increase stress for most people. ![]() A tidier space can make for a more relaxed mind. Getting rid of excess stuff can benefit your mental health by making you feel calmer, happier, and more in control. If you're looking for an easy way to reduce stress, decluttering your environment may be a good place to start.
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